5 Stain Removal Best Practices for Florida Hotel Laundry

Nov 20, 2024

No guest should have to deal with walking into a hotel room and finding an unusual stain on their linen. Stain-free and fresh linens are critical in the hospitality industry, creating a good first impression for your guests and showing your commitment to excellent hygiene practices. Hotels in Florida face unique challenges regarding stains due to high guest turnover, the tropical and humid environment, and the diverse activities guests enjoy. Keep reading as we share five best practices for stain removal in Florida hotels.

 

Best Practice #1: Pre-Treat Stains Immediately

Once you notice a stain, you should immediately treat it to prevent the stain from setting. Your housekeeping staff plays a crucial role in this process, helping address stains as soon as possible instead of leaving them too long. Ensure you train your team on the types of stains they might see, such as makeup, sunscreen, and food, all of which are common challenges in Florida hotels. When you notice a stain, using a quality stain remover specifically formulated for the stain type is essential. Blot the stain instead of rubbing it, which will help avoid spreading it. The sooner you take action when you notice stains, the easier it will be to remove them and preserve the quality of your linens.

 

Best Practice #2: Use the Right Water Temperature

Once you have identified a stain, it’s essential to use the correct water temperature to lift different stains effectively. Hot water is adequate for oily stains, while cold water is best for protein-based stains like blood. Choosing the right water temperature will increase the chances of the stain lifting effectively. Always check the fabric care labels and adjust your machine settings accordingly, reducing the chances of damaging the linen while increasing the chances of getting the desired results.

 

Best Practice #3: Incorporate Quality Detergents and Stain-Fighting Agents

Using professional-grade detergents helps to remove stubborn stains without damaging linens. The higher the quality of the detergent and the better suited it is to the linens you are washing, the more likely you’ll maintain your sheets and towels and reduce the chances of needing to replace them too frequently. Opt for enzyme-based detergents to break down organic stains. On the other hand, bleach alternatives are the best option for colored linens, especially with delicate fabrics. Once you find a product that works, continue to invest in quality detergents, and you’ll soon see that they can help to extend the life of your linens, which get so much use each day when used in a hotel.

 

Best Practice #4: Regular Maintenance and Inspection of Laundry Equipment

Well-maintained washers and dryers enhance stain removal and protect linen quality. These expensive equipment require regular maintenance and upkeep to avoid needing replacement earlier than expected. Schedule regular maintenance checks to prevent detergent build-up and residue that can redeposit stains. You can also perform visual checks on a weekly basis to immediately identify any issues with your machines.

To improve your stain removal processes, calibrate machines to ensure correct cycles and water levels for optimal stain removal. The high humidity in Florida can lead to mildew in laundry machines. To avoid this, perform regular deep cleaning of your machines to keep them in top condition. If you notice anything unusual with your washers and dryers, work with a professional to check them and repair any machine issues.

 

Best Practice #5: Grandma Knows Best

Old-school stain removal hacks using baking soda and white vinegar do work. You’ll be amazed how this simple mixture can complete the job and give you the desired results to offer the best Florida hotel experience. Mix two parts of water and one part of baking soda into a paste for the baking soda option. From there, apply the mixture to the stain and let it set before scraping it off and washing your linens. To use white vinegar for this task, blend vinegar and water and let the stained items soak in cold water for up to 30 minutes. These are two very cost-effective and simple options that will help you to get the results you need in a hurry.

 

Ways to Prevent Stains in Florida Hotels

While understanding the best practices for stain removal in Florida hotels is something every hotel owner or manager needs to learn about, you also want to think about how you can prevent these stains from appearing in the first place. Consider offering disposable makeup removal products, shoe polish products, and paper towels to sop up food stains or other messes to your guests. These in-room products will all help to reduce common stains in your rooms and save your team a lot of time and effort in the long run. Make sure your housekeeping team is accessible to your guests as well, so should an issue appear, they will be more likely to report it straight away and allow you to resolve the problem.

Effective stain removal and good laundry practices are critical to offering guests the best experience possible at your Florida hotel. You don’t want a new visitor to walk into their room to find a stain from a previous guest, as this could damage your reputation as a business and stop repeat customers from returning to you repeatedly. Our team will be here to help you with all your laundry needs, offering various services to fit Florida hotels of all shapes and sizes and packages to support your business operation. Contact us today for more information about our services or to discuss any questions you have about the best stain removal practices for your hotel laundry.

 

About Nexa Laundry

Based in Pinellas County, Florida, Nexa Laundry delivers efficient, high-quality commercial laundry solutions tailored to businesses in hospitality, healthcare, and other industries. With state-of-the-art equipment and a focus on reliability, Nexa Laundry ensures spotless results while saving clients time and resources.